ECHL: Trois-Riviéres Lions and Wichita Thunder Swap Defenseman

The Trois-Riviéres Lions have traded defenseman Kirby Proctor to the Wichita Thunder in exchange for defenseman Landon Fuller. For the Lions, this is the first transaction they’ve made since they signed Jacob Dion at the end of July.

Lions Get A Rookie Defenseman

In acquiring Proctor, the Lions gain a rookie defenseman in Landon Fuller, who has just completed his final year in USports at Trinity Western University. During his four seasons with the Spartans, the British Columbia defenseman put up four goals and 14 assists for 18 assists in 100 games. Prior to playing in USports, Fuller spent time in both the BCHL and WHL. In 21 games in the WHL with the Tri-City Americans and Vancouver Giants. The majority of his junior career was spent at the BCHL level, where he played in 184 games, where he put up 13 goals and 24 assists for 37 points with four different teams.

Fuller will bring size to the Lions, standing at 6’5, 234lb, and should also add some grit to the Lions’ backend. This is huge after Mathieu Boislard signed with the Adirondack Thunder.

Thunder Get Some Offense on the Blueline

Kirby Proctor, 24, had two goals and six assists for eight points in 59 games last season after missing the start of the season with an injury. He would also see action in nine games during the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Lloydminster, Alberta, native joined the Lions at the end of the 2023-24 season, playing in a total of nine games, including six in the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs. In Proctor, the Thunder will get a solid offensive piece on the blueline heading into next season.

“It was a tough decision to move a good, young player like Landon,” commented Bruce Ramsay. “However, in order to get someone with the talent that Kirby possesses, you have to give up something in return. Kirby has the abiity to be an elite defenseman in this league and won a Kelly Cup last year in Trois-Rivieres. I’m excited to bring him into the fold and he has the chance to be a top-pair defenseman for us.”
Wichita Thunder Head Coach Bruce Ramsey

Prior to going pro, Proctor spent his two years in juniors. He would play in 55 games with the Bonnyville Pontiacs, where he put up five goals and 20 assists for 25 points. He also saw action in three AJHL Playoff games. The following season, Proctor would head to the USHL, where he played in 60 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers, putting up a goal and 17 assists for 18 points. He also had one assist in four USHL playoff games. Once finishing his junior career, Proctor headed to the NCAA, where he played five seasons at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. In 172 games with the Mavericks, he put up 17 goals and 34 assists for 51 points.